NEW YORK, March 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- For the seventh year in a row, the French Bulldog took Houston’s top spot in the American Kennel Club’s (AKC®) 2025 ranking of the most popular AKC-recognized dog breeds in the U.S.
The French Bulldog was also recognized as the #1 pup in Los Angeles, CA and Miami, FL.
Like many cities around the country, the Dachshund’s popularity continues to increase. The small but mighty hound now resides as the seventh most popular breed in Houston. Meanwhile, the Havanese is the one to watch, leaping from 21st to 11th in 2025.
“It’s not hard to see why Frenchies have remained popular in recent years, nationally and in many cities around the country,” said Gina M. DiNardo, AKC President and CEO. “They’re affectionate, thrive in many different environments, and make excellent family pets. They’re an all-around wonderful breed.”
A breed's popularity does not mean it is the right breed for you. The AKC encourages dog lovers to do their research and find the right breed for your lifestyle to begin your journey of responsible dog ownership.
Houston’s top 5 breeds for 2025:
1. French Bulldog
2. Golden Retriever
3. Labrador Retriever
4. Bulldog
5. Poodle
* Registration data pulled from Houston zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service
The American Kennel Club also announced its nationwide rankings today, and the French Bulldog continues to warm hearts in the United States! The beloved French Bulldog is America’s most popular breed for the fourth year in a row, according to AKC registration statistics.
While the playful and adaptable French Bulldog’s popularity has cemented itself in the U.S., the iconic Dachshund has shaken up the rankings, landing at number five for the first time since 2003. In its wake, the Poodle drops down to sixth place. The Poodle had been holding steady at number five from 2021 to 2024.
| 2025 Most Popular Dogs in the U.S. |
| 1. French Bulldog |
| 2. Labrador Retriever |
| 3. Golden Retriever |
| 4. German Shepherd Dog |
| 5. Dachshund |
| 6. Poodle |
| 7. Beagle |
| 8. Rottweiler |
| 9. German Shorthaired Pointer |
| 10. Bulldog |
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[EDITOR’S NOTE: Interviews on the most popular dogs in the U.S. or in your city can be arranged by contacting Jessica D’Amato at Jessica.damato@akc.org or 212-696-8346. Photos are available to members of the media upon request.]
About the American Kennel Club
Founded in 1884, the American Kennel Club is a not-for-profit organization which maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world and oversees the sport of dogs in the United States. The AKC is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function. Along with its more than 4,900 licensed and member clubs and its affiliated organizations, the AKC advocates for the purebred dog as a family companion, advances canine health and well-being, works to protect the rights of all dog owners and promotes responsible dog ownership. More than 26,000 competitions for AKC-registered purebred and mixed breed dogs are held under AKC rules and regulations each year including conformation, agility, obedience, rally, tracking, herding, lure coursing, coonhound events, scent work, hunt tests, field and earthdog tests.
Affiliate AKC organizations include the AKC Humane Fund, AKC Canine Health Foundation, AKC Reunite, the AKC Museum of the Dog, and the AKC Purebred Preservation Bank. For more information, visit www.akc.org.
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Contact: Sarah Bank
Phone: 212-696-8253
Email: sarah.bank@akc.org
